101' long Erector Set model of the Mackinac Bridge built by Forrest
Wyrick

On Saturday, July 28, 2007, the communities of St. Ignace
and Mackinaw City celebrated 50 years of the Mackinac Bridge. It was billed
as the Mackinac Bridge 50th Anniversary, the anniversary of the opening
of the bridge was not until November 1st. There were many events during
the day including parades in both cities, activities at Bridge View Park
and a Mackinac Bridge fireworks
display where the bridge was closed to traffic and the fireworks were fired
from both shores.

Although there was heavy rain and fog in the Mackinac
Straits area on the day before the celebration, Saturday July 28 was beautiful,
warm and clear. The first parade was in St. Ignace and was followed by
a procession of 50 convertibles over the Mackinac Bridge to participate
in the parade in Mackinaw City. (complete
set of photos from the parade)

Mackinaw City float in Mackinac Bridge 50th anniversary parade.

Budweiser Car in St. Ignace with Clydesdales in the background

The highlight of the afternoon was the unveiling and dedication
of a sculpture of a Mackinac Bridge ironworker, sculpted by Janice Trimp
of Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan. Other activities in Bridge View Park included
demonstrations of Ironworkers trades using I-beams, a working forge, rivet
tossing and other activities.

Dedication of the Mackinac Bridge Ironworkers Statue and Memorial with
retired Ironworkers looking on

On the evening of the dual
St. Ignace/Mackinaw City fireworks, the water was mirror like as the
sun set over Lake Michigan. A few minutes latter, a breeze started up creating
a chop and keeping away the bugs that might have been along the shore A
little after 10 PM, there was a distant fireworks display on Mackinac Island,
entertaining the thousands waiting for the main show.

As 10:30 approached, the crowd saw the rare sight of the
5 mile long Mackinac Bridge with no vehicles crossing. Traffic was halted
during the fireworks. Finally the crowds saw the huge dual fireworks display.
There was long applause afterward. Traffic from the enormous crowd was
still working its way out of the community an hour and a half later.